Delicious Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Made at Home
Last Updated on March 13, 2026 by Miguel
There’s a certain joy that comes with recreating a beloved restaurant dish at home, especially one as delightful as Honey Walnut Shrimp. Picture this: the enticing aroma of crispy shrimp frying in oil, the sound of walnuts gently caramelizing in sweet syrup, and the thrill of transforming your kitchen into a flavorful oasis of Chinese cuisine.
I happened upon this cherished recipe after craving Panda Express’s take on this dish, yet wanting to infuse it with authentic flair. My goal? To capture that same crunchy texture and creamy sweetness, but with fresher ingredients and a personal touch.
Imagine tender shrimp, perfectly coated and enrobed in a luscious, creamy sauce, topped with those irresistible crunchy walnuts. This dish is not just eye-catching; it’s also a beautiful balance of flavors that makes it a standout—ideal for impressing guests or treating yourself on a cozy night in. Ready to dive in and elevate your dining experience? Let’s create this restaurant-quality delicacy together!
Why make Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp at home?
Simplicity, recreating restaurant flavors doesn’t have to be complicated.
Fresh Ingredients make all the difference; you control quality and taste.
Crispy Coating adds a delightful crunch, elevating every bite.
Sweet and Creamy Sauce balances flavors perfectly, pleasing any palate.
Versatile Dish that impresses guests, perfect for any occasion!
So, whether you’re a home chef or just love delicious food, this recipe will become a go-to in your kitchen. Enjoy the journey of making your favorite takeout dish yourself!
Ingredients for Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp
Get ready to whip up a delicious restaurant classic in your own kitchen!
For the Candied Walnuts
• Granulated White Sugar – Provides the sweetness for the candied walnuts; feel free to use coconut sugar for a healthier spin.
• Water – Used to create the syrup; no substitute needed for this essential ingredient.
• Walnut Halves – Adds that delightful crunch; you can substitute with pecans if you’re feeling adventurous.
For the Shrimp
• Raw Shrimp (21-25 count) – The star of the dish; if you prefer, you can swap it out for scallops or chicken for a twist!
• Large Egg – Acts as a binding agent for the crispy coating; substitute with a flax egg for a vegan option.
• Cornstarch – Creates that light, crispy coating on the shrimp; arrowroot powder works as a gluten-free substitute.
• Oil for Frying – Essential for achieving that perfect fry; vegetable oil or peanut oil works best due to their high smoke point.
For the Creamy Sauce
• Mayonnaise – The creamy base of the sauce; Greek yogurt can be a lighter alternative if you prefer.
• Condensed Milk – Adds sweetness and creaminess; try making your own with milk and sugar for a healthier version.
• Honey – Sweetens the sauce even further; maple syrup is a great vegan alternative here.
For Garnish
• Green Scallions – Brings freshness and a pop of color; no substitutes recommended for this vibrant touch.
Get ready to embrace the joy of cooking with these engaging ingredients for your very own Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp!
How to Make Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp
Prepare the Candied Walnuts: In a small saucepan, combine granulated sugar and water. Stir the mixture and simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes, until it thickens. Toss in walnut halves until coated, then transfer them using a slotted spoon to parchment paper to dry.
Fry the Shrimp: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot over medium heat. While the oil heats, dip each raw shrimp in the whisked egg, ensuring they are well-coated, then roll them in cornstarch. Fry the shrimp in small batches for approximately 2-3 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown. Drain the finished shrimp on paper towels.
Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, condensed milk, and honey. Whisk until everything is evenly blended, making sure to adjust honey to your desired sweetness.
Coat the Shrimp: Once the shrimp are fried and drained, gently toss them in the creamy sauce until fully covered.
Serve: Plate your Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp, top with the candied walnuts, and garnish with freshly sliced green scallions. Serve immediately while hot for the best texture and flavor.
Optional: Serve over steamed rice or crispy noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp?
Enhance your meal with delightful sides that complement this creamy and crispy dish wonderfully.
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fragrant, fluffy rice absorbs the rich sauce beautifully, creating a perfect balance for the flavors.
- Crispy Noodles: Add a delightful crunch! These noodles provide a satisfying texture while soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Stir-Fried Broccoli: Bright, vibrant broccoli adds a fresh, nutrient-packed element that pairs well with the dish’s sweetness.
- Egg Fried Rice: This savory side, with its tender grains and hints of garlic, will contrast beautifully with the sweet shrimp.
- Sweet and Sour Cucumber Salad: A refreshing, tangy salad that cuts through the richness, balancing the decadent shrimp beautifully.
- Chilled Soba Noodles: Serve with a light soy dressing for a refreshing palate cleanser alongside the crispy dish.
- Mango Sticky Rice: For dessert, this sweet treat pairs wonderfully, offering a fruity contrast to the rich flavors of your meal.
- Bubble Tea: Enjoy a fun drink that complements the Asian theme, balancing the sweetness of the dish while adding an interactive element.
Variations & Substitutions for Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp
Feel free to explore and customize this beloved dish with these delightful twists and alternatives!
- Nut Alternative: Swap walnuts for pecans or cashews for a unique nutty flavor. Each nut boasts its own lovely crunch!
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili powder or a splash of sriracha to the creamy sauce for those who crave heat. This twist will awaken your taste buds!
- Protein Swap: Substitute shrimp with scallops or chicken for a different yet equally delicious protein option. Each variety brings its own charm to the dish.
- Gluten-Free: Use arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch for the crispy coating to create a gluten-free delight without sacrificing texture.
- Vegan Version: Replace mayonnaise with cashew cream and the egg with a flax egg to create a plant-based version that doesn’t skimp on flavor or creaminess.
- Lighter Sauce: Opt for Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter, tangy flavor without losing the dish’s creaminess. This brightens up the whole experience!
- Sweetness Adjustment: If you want a healthier or lighter sauce, try using agave syrup in place of honey—perfect for those mindful of sugar intake.
- Herb Infusion: For an aromatic twist, add minced garlic and ginger to the sauce, enhancing its depth and flavor profile for a delightful experience.
These variations allow you to personalize your Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp experience while retaining the essence of this cherished dish!
Make Ahead Options
These Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp are fantastic for meal prep, saving you time on busy weeknights! You can prepare the candied walnuts up to 24 hours in advance, allowing their flavor to mellow beautifully. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crunch. Additionally, you can fry the shrimp and toss them in the creamy sauce up to 3 days ahead; however, for the best texture, fry them fresh or reheat quickly in a hot pan to regain their crispiness just before serving. With these make ahead tips, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort!
How to Store and Freeze Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The crispy shrimp may lose some texture after reheating.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the fried shrimp separately from the sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, bake the shrimp at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until crispy again, and warm the sauce gently on the stovetop before serving.
Dealing with Leftovers: Keep the candied walnuts separate during storage to maintain their crunch until ready to serve, ensuring your dish stays delicious!
Expert Tips for Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp
Use Fresh Shrimp: The fresher your shrimp, the better the flavor. Avoid shrimp that smells fishy; it should have a clean scent.
Monitor Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying. Test with a wooden chopstick; bubbling means it’s ready for frying the shrimp.
Coating Crunch: Don’t skimp on the cornstarch; a generous coating creates that desirable crispy texture you’d find in authentic Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp.
Perfect Candied Walnuts: Use a light-colored saucepan to easily monitor the syrup’s color and avoid burning the walnuts.
Avoid Overcrowding: Fry in small batches to maintain the oil temperature. Overcrowding can lead to soggy shrimp rather than the crispy golden goodness you desire.
Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing shrimp, look for those that are firm to the touch and have a clean, ocean-like scent. Avoid any that have a strong fishy smell or dark spots, as this can be an indication of spoilage. Fresh shrimp should be moist rather than slimy and preferably sold on ice or in a refrigerated display.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store your leftover Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that while they’ll still be safe to eat, the shrimp may lose some of their crispiness upon reheating. If you want to maintain their texture, consider storing the candied walnuts separately and adding them just before serving.
Can I freeze Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp?
Certainly! To freeze, place the fried shrimp separately from the sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the shrimp for 10-15 minutes to restore their crispiness. Warm the creamy sauce gently on the stovetop, and you’ll be ready to indulge once more!
What if my candied walnuts turn out soggy?
No worries! If your candied walnuts aren’t the desired crunchiness, it could be that they weren’t cooked long enough or that your syrup was too thin. For the perfect crunchy finish, ensure that the syrup reaches a good consistency before adding the walnuts. Allow them to dry completely on parchment paper after coating to achieve that delightful crisp.
Is this recipe suitable for people with nut allergies?
You can definitely adjust this recipe to accommodate dietary needs! If someone has a nut allergy, simply leave out the walnuts altogether and consider substituting a crunchy topping like toasted pumpkin seeds or crispy rice cereal. This will still give your dish an enjoyable crunch without compromising safety.
How do I ensure my shrimp has a crispy coating?
To achieve a delightful crispy texture with your shrimp, make sure your oil is hot enough before frying. You can test it by dipping a wooden chopstick into the oil; if bubbles form around it, it’s ready for frying! Also, ensure you coat each shrimp generously in cornstarch and handle them carefully during frying to prevent any coating from falling off.